Relativistic acceleration transformation

In summary, the conversation revolves around finding the distance traveled by a rocket ship with a constant acceleration of 1g in its own rest frame, as measured by an observer on Earth. The equations used are dx'=gamma*(dx-vdt) and dt'=gamma*(dt-vdx/c^2), and the derived relationship is a'=a/(gamma^3*(1-uv/c^2)^3). However, the error lies in the interpretation of u, which should not be assumed as 0 for the stationary observer on Earth.
  • #1
pantheid
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0

Homework Statement


The given problem is that we have a rocket ship, accelerating at a constant rate of 1g (in its own instantaneous inertial rest frame) for 40 years. We must find the distance it travels in that time, as measured by an observer on earth.

Homework Equations


dx'=gamma*(dx-vdt)
dt'=gamma*(dt-vdx/c^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have derived the relationship a'=a/(gamma^3*(1-uv/c^2)^3)

Given that the rocket has constant acceleration in its own rest frame, a'=g
Given that the observer on Earth is stationary, u=0

If we use these two facts, we get that g*gamma^3=a, which is nonsensical because that means that at very high velocities, the observed acceleration is higher than g when it should be lower. Where is my error?
 
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  • #2
pantheid said:
I have derived the relationship a'=a/(gamma^3*(1-uv/c^2)^3)

Given that the rocket has constant acceleration in its own rest frame, a'=g
Given that the observer on Earth is stationary, u=0
I don't believe this is the correct interpretation of u. Make sure you know the meaning of u and v in the formula.
 

Related to Relativistic acceleration transformation

1. What is the concept of relativistic acceleration transformation?

The concept of relativistic acceleration transformation is a mathematical formula used to calculate the change in acceleration of an object as observed by two different reference frames that are moving at different velocities. It takes into account the principles of special relativity, which state that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion.

2. How is relativistic acceleration transformation different from classical acceleration?

Relativistic acceleration transformation takes into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction, which are not present in classical acceleration calculations. This means that the acceleration of an object will appear different to observers in different reference frames, depending on their relative velocities.

3. What is the formula for calculating relativistic acceleration transformation?

The formula for relativistic acceleration transformation is a = a03, where a is the observed acceleration, a0 is the acceleration in the object's rest frame, and γ is the Lorentz factor, which is a function of the relative velocity between the two reference frames.

4. Can relativistic acceleration transformation be applied to any velocity?

Yes, relativistic acceleration transformation can be applied to any velocity, as long as it is less than the speed of light. This is because the principles of special relativity only apply to objects moving at speeds close to the speed of light, and become negligible at lower velocities.

5. How does relativistic acceleration transformation affect the perception of time and distance?

Relativistic acceleration transformation takes into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction, which means that the perception of time and distance will be different for observers in different reference frames. This is because the passage of time and the length of objects are relative to the observer's frame of reference, and will appear to be different depending on their relative velocities.

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